Faye files papers for EZT Ward 1 council spot
By Lee Griffi
Nicolas Faye has thrown his hat in the ring for a spot on council serving Ward 1.
Faye lives in Tavistock with his family and works as an enforcement officer with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, court services division. Before moving into court enforcement, he worked as a compliance inspector with the Ontario government.
“My public-service career has involved applying legislation, communicating directly with members of the public, documenting facts and handling difficult or sensitive situations. These experiences have taught me to listen carefully, remain calm under pressure, consider different sides of an issue and make decisions that are fair and supported by the facts,” said Faye.
He is bilingual in English and French and also speaks Spanish.
“Being able to communicate in three languages has helped me connect with people from many different backgrounds and better understand different points of view,” he added.
Family is a very important part of his life, and outside of work, he enjoys cycling, walking and staying active outdoors. He also spends some of his free time restoring his historic heritage home in Tavistock, which has strengthened his appreciation for the history and character of the community.
“I am running because Tavistock is my home and I want to contribute directly to the community where my family and I live. Municipal government is the level of government closest to people’s everyday lives. Decisions about roads, property taxes, housing, development, recreation, infrastructure and local services have a direct effect on residents,” Faye said.
He said he is not running because he believes everything is wrong.
“East Zorra-Tavistock is a strong community with many things worth protecting. I want to bring a fresh perspective to council while respecting what already works. I believe good municipal government should be practical, accessible and transparent. Councillors should listen to residents, ask thoughtful questions, study the facts and explain the reasons behind their decisions.”
Faye said one of the biggest issues is managing growth while protecting the character of Tavistock, rural communities and agricultural areas.
“Housing is needed, particularly for young families, seniors and people who want to remain close to their families and community. However, new development must be supported by appropriate roads, water and wastewater capacity, emergency services, recreation facilities, and other infrastructure. Growth should be planned carefully so that existing residents are not left paying for infrastructure that was not properly anticipated.”
He added affordability is another major concern the township faces, the same issue facing residents, farmers and local businesses.
“Council must examine spending carefully, establish clear priorities and make sure taxpayers receive good value for their money. Long-term planning is important because delaying necessary work can sometimes make it much more expensive later.”
Faye explained agriculture and the rural economy also need a strong voice. Farming is not simply another industry in East Zorra-Tavistock.
“It is a major part of the township’s identity, economy and history. Responsible growth should be balanced with the protection of productive agricultural land and support for the people who work it.”
He also said communication with residents is important and that they should know what council is considering before major decisions are made, understand how those decisions may affect them and have meaningful opportunities to provide input.
“Councillors should remain accessible throughout the full term, not only during an election campaign.”
Faye added his work in compliance and enforcement has taught him good decisions begin with listening.
“It is important to gather the facts, understand the applicable rules, hear different perspectives and then make a decision that can be clearly explained. I am prepared to ask thoughtful and constructive questions. I do not believe that every old idea is bad or that every new idea is automatically better. What matters is whether a proposal is responsible, affordable and beneficial to the people the township serves.”
He added a councillor’s responsibility is to do the necessary research, consult residents, work respectfully with other council members and staff, and make the best possible decision with the information available.
“If elected, I would work for all residents of Ward 1. People may not agree with every decision I make, but they should be able to expect that I will listen, come prepared, explain my reasoning and treat them with respect. I want residents to feel comfortable approaching me at a community event, calling me or speaking with me on the street and knowing that their councillor will take their concerns seriously.”
Faye said he has been knocking on doors and meeting residents to see what matters most to them.
“Those conversations have reinforced my belief that people do not expect elected representatives to arrive with every answer. They want representatives who are honest, accessible, prepared to listen and willing to work toward practical solutions.”
He added every resident should feel they have a voice at the council table.
“That is the kind of councillor I want to be.”
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